PUDDLETOWN will bid for RFU Junior Vase glory when they host Oxford at Greenfields in the Southern Counties final tomorrow (2pm).

In front of what is sure to be a large and vocal home crowd, Puddletown will stage their biggest game of the season so far.

The Villagers will be determined to maintain the momentum of their five-match cup run, which has already included winning the Dorset & Wilts Plate, and secure a place in the quarter-finals, just two wins from a showpiece finale.

A tie against the South West finalists awaits, to earn the right to play a national semi-final versus South East Counties.

Ultimately, the final will be played against the Northern Counties at Twickenham.

Coach Sam Cload summed up the mood in the Puddletown camp, explaining that the Dorset side were in a determined frame of mind.

He said: “We are excited to host Oxford this weekend in what should prove to be a really good game of rugby.

“A lot of work has been done this season to create an inclusive, caring culture at the club and we want as many people as possible to be involved in, and to enjoy the day.

“Everyone at Puddletown, both on and off the field, has helped to put us in this position.

“As a playing group we are determined to put our best foot forward to thank everyone for their excellent and continuing support.”

Cload has named virtually the same squad as the one that beat Aldermaston 29-5 in the semi-final a fortnight ago.

However, a couple of players will undergo final fitness checks before the game.

The Greenfields clubhouse opens from midday, with food and drink being available all afternoon. The England v Scotland Six Nations match will be shown live straight after the conclusion of the final.

Prior to the main event, players who failed to make the cut for tomorrow’s big match, together with a number of the club’s veterans, will enjoy a run out tonight in a social game at Lytchett Minster RFC. Kick off is at 7:00 and all are welcome.

n Puddletown’s scheduled Dorset & Wilts Two South game away to Oakmeadians Seconds has been postponed owing to the cup final.

There are no other fixtures in Two South this weekend, with Puddletown returning to league action against New Milton Thirds on Saturday, March 3.

The Villagers will face a fixture backlog after their cup run.